Ajinkya Rahane Says Process and Preparation Key After Achieving Rare Feat

Ajinkya Rahane is establishing himself as a batsman who contributes in tough conditions. Having scored his third century in fourth innings on the third day of the second Test in Jamaica, the stylish right-hander has put India in the driver's seat.

In the course of his magnificent knock, Rahane achieved a rare feat as he became the only batsman to score 90 in at least one innings of a Test match in eight consecutive series.

Speaking in a press conference after the end of the day, Rahane said results would come if the basics were followed properly. "Whether it is overseas or in India, what matters for me is the process and preparation. I never think about scoring hundreds. Results will follow automatically. If I prepare well, results will follow. I think about these small things which help me."

Rahane's magnificent sequence started from India's tour to South Africa in 2013 when he smashed 96 in Durban. He followed it up with his maiden century at the Basin Reserve against New Zealand in February 2014. His crowning moment came when he scored 103 on a green top in Lord's against England and got the better of Australia with a magnificent 147 at the Boxing Day Test match at Melbourne in 2014.

He missed out on a century against Bangladesh in Fatullah when he was bowled for 98 in 2015. He made it up in style by smashing 126 against Sri Lanka at the P Sara Oval in Colombo. He touched his peak with centuries in each innings against South Africa at the Feroz Shah Kotla in December 2015, becoming only the fifth Indian to achieve this record.

'Patience The Key in West Indies'

On a sluggish Jamaica wicket that had some assistance for the bowlers, India found it hard to score quickly. On the second day, only 232 runs were possible in 88 overs and Rahane has emphasised the need to buckle down and apply.

"Wickets are getting slower and slower. It is not easy to play shots. Patience will be a key in West Indies. There is still some assistance for the bowlers on this wicket," Rahane said.

India declared their innings at 500/9, arming themselves with a 304-run lead. However, with the weather not looking too promising for the next two days, Virat Kohli's team will have to bowl exceptionally well to dismiss the West Indies cheaply for the second time.